How to Appeal a CP Plus Parking Charge — Complete Guide

Last updated: March 2026

CP Plus is a private parking operator that manages car parks at hospitals, universities, retail sites, and commercial estates across the UK. If you've received a parking charge from CP Plus — typically £70 to £100 — this guide explains the appeal process, your rights, and the most effective defences.

Who Are CP Plus?

CP Plus (formerly known as Central Parking) operates ANPR-enforced car parks on private land throughout the UK. They are particularly prevalent at NHS hospitals, university campuses, and retail parks. Their charges are private invoices, not government fines — they are fundamentally different from a council parking ticket.

CP Plus is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA). This means your independent appeal route is through POPLA (the Parking on Private Land Appeals service). POPLA appeals are free, and the assessor's decision is binding on CP Plus. For a fuller explanation of how private parking enforcement works, see our guide on private parking companies and your rights.

The Notice to Keeper (NTK) Requirements

Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, CP Plus must issue a compliant Notice to Keeper to hold the registered keeper liable. The NTK must:

• Be served within 14 days of the alleged contravention (or within 14 days of obtaining keeper details from the DVLA)
• Include all prescribed information — the charge amount, the alleged contravention, the location, and details of how to appeal
• Be correctly addressed to the registered keeper at their DVLA-registered address

If the NTK was late, sent to the wrong address, or missing key information, CP Plus cannot transfer liability to the keeper. If you were not the driver and the NTK is defective, you have a strong defence. See our guide on what to do if your parking notice never arrived.

Common Grounds for Appealing a CP Plus Charge

Hospital and Medical Appointments

CP Plus operates at many NHS hospital sites, and a large proportion of their charges involve patients or visitors who overstayed. If your hospital appointment overran, you were visiting a critically ill relative, or you experienced a medical emergency, explain the circumstances and provide evidence — appointment letters, discharge summaries, or a letter from the ward. Both CP Plus and POPLA assessors treat genuine medical situations sympathetically.

University Campus Parking

Students and staff at universities managed by CP Plus frequently receive charges for permit errors, expired permits, or parking in the wrong zone. If you held a valid permit but it was not displayed correctly, or if you were in the process of renewing, gather your permit confirmation emails and any correspondence with the university. Contact the university parking office as well — they can sometimes ask CP Plus to cancel charges directly.

NTK Compliance Issues

Carefully check the dates on your notice. Count from the date of the alleged contravention to the date of posting (not receipt). If more than 14 days elapsed before the NTK was sent, or if the notice is missing any of the prescribed information required under POFA, keeper liability fails.

ANPR and Signage Defences

As with all ANPR operators, CP Plus cameras can produce errors — misread plates, missing exit records, or incorrect timestamps. Request the ANPR images. Additionally, check signage at the site: under the BPA Code of Practice, terms must be clearly displayed on prominent signs. If signage was obscured, damaged, or contradictory, photograph it and include the evidence in your appeal.

How to Appeal Step by Step

1. Appeal to CP Plus first: Submit your appeal directly to CP Plus within 28 days of the charge notice. Clearly state your grounds, attach all supporting evidence, and keep copies of everything.
2. If rejected, appeal to POPLA: As a BPA member, CP Plus must offer a POPLA appeal route. Their rejection letter will include a POPLA code. You have 28 days from the rejection to submit your POPLA appeal. This is free and independent.
3. Await the POPLA decision: A POPLA assessor reviews written evidence from both sides. If POPLA finds in your favour, CP Plus must cancel the charge. If they find against you, CP Plus may continue to pursue payment.

What If CP Plus Escalate to Debt Recovery?

If you ignore the charge, CP Plus may eventually pass the case to a debt recovery company. These firms send letters but have no bailiff powers — they cannot visit your property or seize goods. However, CP Plus can ultimately pursue a county court claim. Read our guide on parking fine debt collectors to understand the process. For a complete overview, see our guide on the private parking charge appeal process.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Private Parking Charge
• POPLA Appeal Guide
• Your Rights Against Private Parking Companies
• Hospital Parking Fine Appeal